(Highlighting Rotary in Action During Autism Awareness Month)
As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, it is the perfect time to highlight Harrisburg Rotarian Hagir Elsheikh and her remarkable work with Kareem’s Mission. Located in Enola, Pennsylvania, Kareem’s Mission is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with Autism and their families throughout central Pennsylvania and beyond. Their goal is to provide comprehensive support, resources, and advocacy, creating a community where everyone impacted by Autism has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
This year marks an exciting milestone for Kareem’s Mission: they have secured a new home on the campus of Central Penn College! Their new center—slated to open later this year—will be the first of its kind in the area, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for children, teens, and adults living with Autism. The organization is actively partnering with local businesses, organizations, and schools to help complete and furnish their new space.
The Kareem’s Mission Center will feature a variety of thoughtfully designed spaces, including an indoor gym, art room, music room, digital studio, and a calming space. The building will also offer a teen-focused classroom with computers, a family café to encourage relationship-building among families, and adult classrooms to provide guidance and support for navigating an Autism diagnosis at any stage of life. These spaces will be available for families, children, and therapists as they work together to meet developmental goals and build lifelong skills.
How You Can Help
- Individuals: Kareem’s Mission welcomes volunteers willing to donate their time and talents as they prepare for the center’s opening. They are also seeking in-kind donations to help furnish their themed rooms. Hagir emphasizes sustainability and is happy to accept gently used materials (e.g., padding material for walls/floors, art supplies, technology, etc.) from schools, organizations, or individuals.
- Rotary Clubs: Kareem’s Mission aligns with Rotary’s Basic Education and Literacy Area of Focus—one of the Seven Areas of Focus. Education and literacy are fundamental building blocks for peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and community economic development. If your club is seeking a grant project or service opportunity, consider supporting Kareem’s Mission by purchasing an item from their wish list—or even sponsoring the complete furnishing of one of their special rooms!
We are fortunate to walk alongside Hagir Elsheikh during this exciting chapter for Kareem’s Mission. Her passion and leadership truly embody Rotary in Action!
For more information and to stay updated, visit kareemsmission.org, email them at kareemsmission@gmail.com, and connect with them on social media by searching @kmissiontv.